The new policy applies to all players on the field at all times, and contact does not have to be to an opponent’s head or neck area. Lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent’s torso, hips or lower body can also result in a penalty (loss of 15 yards). A player also can be ejected from the game.

The rule was put in place to help protect players, but Freeman doesn't think it's enough to change the way he plays as he acknowledged he will probably get flagged multiple times for lowering his head.

“I definitely think I’m going to get (that call) a couple of times this year,” Freeman said, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s going to be one of those things it’s hard to do something about. You know Devonta Freeman. You know how Devonta Freeman runs. You know how Devonta Freeman practices. You know my mindset.

"There’s only so much you can do about football and tackling and defenders and running the ball. I got to play low, that’s my advantage. That’s what makes me different, what makes me successful at what I do. Being low and having low center of gravity, that’s how I play.”

The rule was first applied last week during the Hall of Fame game between the Ravens and Bears. Two flags were thrown for hits now deemed illegal under the rule change.